A freeze watch has been issued for parts of California and Arizona as cold air moves in from the western part of the country, bringing subzero temperatures and strong winds to the region.
The advisory has been issued amid widespread winter weather expected to affect large parts of the country, including snowfall in the Northeast in the coming days.
why it matters
Temperatures below zero can be dangerous for human life as well as crops and animals. People are advised to protect sensitive plants, animals and open pipelines to avoid harm.
Antelope Valley, the area of California where some advisories have been issued, is a popular tourist area at the edge of the Mojave Desert in Los Angeles and parts of Kern County.
what to know
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Freeze Watch for the Antelope Valley, effective until 8 a.m. Tuesday local time.
According to the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard office, temperatures could drop as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
Additionally, several wind advisories have been issued for areas of Southern California, including the Santa Clarita Valley and Ventura County, with gusts up to 45 mph expected. Power cuts may also be seen in the area due to strong winds.
In Arizona, a freeze watch has also been put in place for northwestern desert areas, including the cities of Yucca, Valentine, Wickiup, Dolan Springs, Kingman and Golden Valley, the NWS reports.
Winter weather is affecting much of the US, causing chaos for air and road travelers during one of the busiest travel seasons.
The NWS forecast indicates snow will extend from the Rockies to the central Mississippi Valley, with potential winter storms developing in the Central Appalachians and interior New England early this week.
what people are saying
The NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard office said: “Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 25 degrees. Frost and freezing conditions can destroy crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.
The NWS warned: “Expect northeasterly winds at 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Strong winds will blow around unprotected objects. Tree limbs may be blown down and some power outages may occur.”
what happens next?
A freeze watch remains in effect for California’s Antelope Valley and Arizona’s western desert until Tuesday morning.
Residents should continue to monitor NWS updates and take steps to protect property, animals and personal safety during cold and windy conditions.
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